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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Not-Thinking-Thinking-Non-thinking

Being the open, bright, boundless between the words, thoughts, good and bad things of life.

Being the open, bright boundless that shines through, that enlightens & enlivens the words, thoughts, good and bad things of life.

Once, when the Great Master Hongdao of Yueshan was sitting in Zazen, a monk asked him, "What are you thinking of (shiryō), sitting there so tall and straight? The master answered, "I'm thinking of not thinking (fu shiryō tei)." The monk asked, "How do you think of not thinking?" The Master answered, "Nonthinking (hi shiryō)."

Master Dogen said (Zazengi) ...

Sitting in balance and stillness like a mountain, think of "not-thinking." How can the state of not thinking be thought? Be "Non-Thinking."

This is the essence of zazen. Zazen is not meditation. It is the Dharma Gate of great ease and joy. It is stainless, undivided practice-realization.

PS -Thank you to the many folks who have written to ask how we are doing with the FUKUSHIMA NUCLEAR REACTORS, just 100 miles from here as the crow flies. Well, we are fine, life is surprisingly normal. Of course, waking up each morning to headlines like these can be rather STARTLING! :shock:

But fear and worry is a state of mind. I sometimes compare fear in this case, of cancer and radiation and the like, to the fear of flying. Each year, many people are killed and injured in airplane accidents, yet that does not stop most of us from boarding planes. We will likely arrive safely, but even if not ... it is all the trip, man!

Today’s Sit-A-Long video follows at this link. Remember: recording ends soon after the beginning bells; a sitting time of 15 to 35 minutes is recommended.